Circuit-controlling device.



T. E. CLARK & E. A. LUEKYF CIRCUIT CONTROLLING DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED 05c. 21. I915" 1,236,-543. Patented Aug. 14,1917

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WWwaoo UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS E. CLARK AND ERVING A. LUEKY, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

CIRCUIT-CONTROLLING DEVICE.

Application filed December 27, 1915.

Z '0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, THOMAS E. CLARK and EnvING A. LUEKY, citizens of the United States, and residents of Detroit, in the county of Wayne and State of Michigan, have invented a new and Improved Circuit- Controlling Device, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention has reference to means for intermittently opening and closing a main electric working circuit, and among its important features are the following: a controlling circuit for the working circuit and means whereby the presence of current in the controlling circuit is utilized to cause one step of the intermittent action while gravity is allowed to bring about the other; means whereby the relative time devoted to each step may be readily controlled; means whereby the closing of the working circuit is insured upon the failure of the controlling means to operate; a controlling means of the nature stated comprising a circuit closer, means tending to break the circuit at the closer, gravity means for making the circuit at the closer and electro-magnetic means for retaining the circuit closed after it has been made by the gravity means; also (in combination with the elements mentioned in the last clause) electro-magnetic means for removing the gravity means from operative relation to the circuit closer, and for later deenergizing the first mentioned electro-magnetic means to allow the circuit at the closer to be broken; also means for controlling the speed of movement of the gravity means; a circuit closer for the working circuit arranged to be moved in one direction by gravity and in the other direction by current which flows through the controlling means to make or break the working circuit. The invention also consists in the details of construction shown, described and claimed.

The drawing is a part diagrammatic vertical section, part diagrammatic elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment shown, 1 and 2 indicate line wires from which current is passed to the conductors 3 and 4 by means of the line switch 5. Also arranged to receive current from the switch are the conductors 6 and 8 that, together with the contacts 9 and 10 (preferably resilient), the circuit closiup bars 11 and 12 (preferably including a? Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 14, 1917.

Serial No. 68,665.

contacts 13 and 14) and the conductors 15 and 16, constitute the working circuit in which is interposed the lamps 18 (or other responsive device), the control of which is the ultimate object of the invention. The bars 11 and 12 are supported on and insulated from the armature 19 of a solenoid having its winding 20 connected to the conductor 4. (hen the solenoid 2019 is energized the working circuit is broken; when it is deenergized the armature and bars 11 12 fall and current is passed through the lamps l8.

Leading from the winding 20 is a con ductor 22 that is connected to the winding 23 of a second or circuit breaking solenoid, the armature 25 of which is arranged to reciprocate vertically and is attached to a piston 26 (preferably graphite) of a dash pot having its casing 28 provided at its opposite ends with air controlling valves 29. Thus the speed of rise and fall of the armature may be regulated independently of each other. A conductor 30, having interposed therein a contact 31, joins the winding 23 with the winding 32 of a third or circuit holding solenoid, the armature 33 of which is preferably in alinement with the arma= ture 25; and from the winding 32 a conductor 34, having interposed therein a contact 35, leads to a contact 36. The latter is so located in reference to the contact 31 as to be brought into electric communication therewith when the armature 25 reaches its upward limit of motion by a short circuiting bar 38 carried by and insulated from the armature in any desired way, for example, by a bushing 39 of suitable material. The conductor 3 terminates in a contact 40 which is so located in respect to the contact 35 as to be electrically connected thereto by a circuit breaking bar 41 (supported on and insulated from the armature 33) whenever the armature 25 reaches the limit of its downward movement and brings its weight to hea r upon the insulating bushing 42 that is secured to the bar 41. The bar is supported, however, on springs 43 which tend to force it away from the contacts 3540 and may be guided by pins 44 about which the springs extend. The bar may be provided with contacts 45 arranged to engage with the contacts 35 and 40 or may engage them directly.

It will be understood that the several solenoid windings, the dash pot casing, contacts 9-10 313G 351O, as well as the pins 4A, are rigid with a block or plate, preferably marble, not shown. The circuits other than the working circuit may for convenience be termed controlling circuits, but it will be understood of course that the common portions of the circuits may be replaced by separate conductors leading from the switch 5.

I Operation.

Assuming that the parts are in the position shown (that is, with the bars 11-12 bridging the contacts 9-10 and the armature 25 resting on the bar t1, whereby the latter is pressed down to overcome the springs 43 and engage the contacts 35t0), and that the switch is closed, a circuit is made through 'the parts 420-2228 3O32 34,.35 45 41 1540S in the order Stated and back to the switch, whereby the armature 19 is raised and breaks the working circuit. Since the controlling circuit. includes the windings 23 of the controlling-circuit breaking solenoid 23-25 and the winding 32 of the controlling circuit main; taining solenoid 3233, it follows that the armature is drawn upwardly at a predetermined speed (determined by setting the upper valve 29), and that the bar 41 is pre- Vented from rising simultaneously and is held in close engagement with the contacts 35,40 by the armature 33.

The circuit through the lamps is broken during the rising movement of the armature 25, but when the bar 38 reaches the contacts 3136 the winding 32 is cut out of the circuit and current flows through the following elements: t2022-2330313836 3435454145-403 back to the switch. The springs 43 now raise the bar 41 and break the controlling circuit, whereupon the solenoid 1920 is deenergizcd and the armature 19 drops. Current then passes to the lamps or other elements 18 in an obvi ous manner.

The weight of the armature gradually expels the air from the lower end of the dash pot casing 28, the rate being determined by the amount the lower valve 29 is opened, and the armature finally comes to rest upon the insulation 42. and forces the bar downwardly against the tension of the springs 43, whereupon the circuit first outlined is reestablished. This completes one cycle of the operation, which is repeated indefinitely.

Because of the valves 29 it will be seen that the speed of rising and falling of the armature 2.5 may be so varied in respect to each other. as to give complete control of the relative periods of activity and non-activity of the working circuit.

It is clear that many changes may be made in the details of construction without departing from the spirit of our invention. \Ve do not, therefore, wish to be limited except as indicated by the subjoined claims.

\Ve claim V 1. A working circuit including a circuit breaker having a conducting and a non-conducting position, means for controlling said circuit breaker, said controlling means including an electric circuit having a circuit breaking member, said circuit breaking member being movable between circuit-making and circuit-breaking positions, means tending at all times to move it to circuit breaking position, and movable means tending to return it to circuit-making position, said movable means being movable by gravity to return the circuit breaking member to circuit-making position, and electro-magnetic means for moving the movable means in the opposite direction.

2. A working circuit including a circuit breaker having a conducting and a non-conducting position, means for controlling said circuit breaker, said controlling means including an electric circuit having a circuit breaking member, said circuit breaking member being movable between circuitmaking and circuit-breaking positions, means tending at all times to move it to circuit breaking position, and movable means tending to return it to circuit-making position, said movable means being movable by gravity to return the circuit breaking memher to circuit-making position, electro-magnetic means for moving the movable means in the opposite direction, and electro-magnetic means for holding the circuit breaking means in the position to which it has been moved by the movable means.

A. working circuit including a circuit breaker having a conducting and a non-conducting condition, means for controlling said circuit breaker, said controlling means including an electric circuit having a circuit breaking member, said circuit breaking member being movable between circuit-male ing and circuit-breaking positions, means tending to move it from one of the positions to the other, and movable means tending to return it to the. first of the last named positions, said movable means being movable in one direction by gravity, electro-iiiagnetic means for moving the movable means inanother direction. and elcctro-magnetic means for holding the circuit breaking means in the position to which it has been moved by the IDOVdl l6 means, said movable means including a short circuiting bar whereby the current may be short-circuited past the last mentioned electro-magnetic means to allow the circuit breaking member to again be moved by the first mentioned means for moving it.

-,t. A. working circuit iuclmling a circuit breaker having conducting and a non-c011- ducting position, means for controlling said circuit breaker, said controlling means including an electric circuit having a circuit breaking member, said circuit breaking member being movable between circuit-making and circuit-breaking positions, means tending at, all times to move it to circuit breaking position, and movable means tending to return it to circuit-making position, said movable means being movable by gravityto return the circuit breaking member to circuit-making position, electro-magnetic means for moving the movable means in the opposite direction, and means for controlling the speed at which the movable member may be moved by gravity.

5. A working circuit including a circuit breaker having a conducting and a non-con ducting position, means for controlling said circuit breaker, said controlling means including an electric circuit having a circuit breaking member, said circuit breaking member being movable between circuit-making and circuit-breaking positions, means tending at all times to move it to circuit breaking position, and-movable means tending to return it to circuit-making position, Said movable means being movable by gravity, to return the circuit breaking member tocircuit-making position, electr -magnetic means for moving the movable means in the opposite direction, and means for controlling the speed at which the movable member may be moved by the electro-magnetic means.

6. A working circuit including a circuit breaker having a conducting and a nonconducting position, means for controlling said circuit breaker, said controlling means including an electric circuit having a circuit breaking member, said circuit breaking member being movable between circuit-making and circuit-breaking posit-ions, means tending to move it from one of the positions to the other, and movable means tending to return it to the first of the last named positions, said movable means being movable in one direction by gravity, electromagnetic means for moving the movable means in another direction, means for independently regulating the speeds at which the movable member may be moved by gravity and by the electro-magnetic means, whereby the relative periods of activity and non-activity of the working circuit may be determined.

7. A working circuit including a circuit breaker having a conducting and a non-conconducting position, means for controlling said circuit breaker, said controlling means including an electric circuit having a circuit breaking member, said circuit breaking member being movable between circuitmaking and circuit-breaking positions, means tending to move it from one of the positions to the other, and movable means tending to return it to the first of the last named positions, said movable means being movable in one direction by gravity, electro-magnetic means for moving the movable means in another direction, electromagnetic means for holding the circuit breaking means in the position to which it has been moved by the movable means, said movable means including a short circuiting bar whereby the current may be short-circuited past the last mentioned electro-magnetic means to allow the circuit breaking member to again be moved by the first men tioned means formoving it, means for independently controlling the speeds at which the movable member may be moved by gravity and by the electro-magnetic means, whereby the relative periods of activity and non-activity of the working circuit may be determined.

8. A working circuit including a circuit breaker having a conducting and a noncon ducting position, means for controlling said circuit breaker, said cont-rolling means including an electric circuit having a circuit breaking member, said circuit breaking mem ber being movable between circuit-making and circuit-breaking positions, means tending to move it from one of the positions to the other, and movable means tend-' ing to return it to the first of the last named positions, said movable means being movable in one direction by gravity, electromagnetic means for moving the movable means in another direction, electro-magnetic means for holding the circuit breaking means in the position to which it has been moved by the movable means, said movable means including a short circuiting bar whereby the current may be short-circuited past the last mentioned electro-magnetic means to allow the circuit breaking member to again be moved by the first mentioned means for moving it, and means for controlling the speed at which the movable member may be moved in one direction.

9. A working circuit and means for controlling the flow of current therethrough, said controlling means comprising a contact, a circuit breaking bar, meanstending at all times to force the bar away from the contact, electro-magnetic meanscomprising a member movable toward and from the circuit breaking bar, said member, when in one position, forcing the bar into engagement with the contact against the means that at all times forces it away from the contact.

10. A working circuit and means for con trolling the flow of current therethrough, said controlling means comprising a contact, a circuit breaking bar, means normally tending to force the bar away from the contact, electromagnetic means comprising a member movable toward and from the circuit breaking bar, said member, when in one position, forcing the bar into engagement with the contact against the means that normally forces-it away from the contact, electro-magnetic means for thereafter retaining the bar in engagement with the contact, and means controlled ,by the first mentioned electromagnetic means whereby the last mentioned electro-magnetic means is rendered inoperative when the member is in another position.

11. A working circuit including a circuit making and breaking bar, controlling means for the bar, said controlling means comprising an electric circuit including two ranches, one of the branches having a contact, a circuit breaking bar adapted to engage therewith, and electro-magnetic means for moving the bar in one direction, means tending to move the bar in the other direction, the other branch including the circuit breaking bar, a second contact, and a short circuiting bar adapted to engage the second contact, and means for moving the shortcircuiting bar, whereby the current is short circuited past the electro-magnetic means to allow the circuit breaking bar to be moved by the means which acts in opposition to the said electro-magnetic means.

12. A working circuit including a circuit making and breaking bar, controlling means for the bar, said controlling means comprising an electric circuit including two branches, one of the branches having a contact, a circuit breaking bar adapted to engage therewith, and electro-magnetic means for moving the bar in one direction, means tending to move the bar in the other direction, the other branch including the circuit breaking bar, a second contact, and a short circuiting bar adapted to engage the second contact, and means for moving the short circuiting bar, whereby the current is short circuited past the electro-magnetic means to allow the circuit breaking bar to be moved by the means which acts in opposition to the said electro-magnetic means, said means for moving the short circuiting bar comprising a solenoid the armature of which is arranged to rise and fall and which, when in lower position, rests upon the circuit breaking bar.

13. A working circuit including a circuit making and breaking bar, controlling means for the bar, said controlling means comprising a controlling circuit including a pair of branches through which the current alternately flows, a circuit breaking bar common to the branches, a solenoid winding common to the branches, one of the branches including a second solenoid winding, an armature corresponding to said second solenoid winding, said armature being arranged to draw the circuit breaking bar in one direction to hold the circuit closed, means tending to open the circuit at the circuit breaking bar, an armature corresponding to the first mentioned solenoid winding, a short circuiting bar carried thereby, said armature resting on the circuit breaking bar when in one position, whereby the circuit is made through the circuit breaking bar and the second solenoid winding, said armature, when in another position, completing the circuit through the other branch, whereby the second solenoid is deenergized and whereupon the circuit breaking bar is caused to break the circuit.

14. A working circuit including a circuit breaker normally held in circuit closing position by gravity, means for moving the circuit breaker to break the circuit, said means including a solenoid, a controlling circuit for intermittently conducting current to the solenoid, said controlling circuit including a circuit breaker, means tending to hold the last mentioned circuit breaker in circuit breaking position, gravity means for over? coming the last mentioned means to establish the controlling circuit, said controlling circuit including electro-magnetic means for elevating the gravity means, and also including electro-magnetic means for maintaining the second mentioned circuit breaker in circuit maintaining position, and means whereby the movement of the gravity means by the first mentioned electro-magnetic means is utilized to break the circuit through the second mentioned electro-magnetic means, whereupon the second circuit breaker is forced into circuit breaking position.

15. A working circuit including a circuit breaker movable into either circuit-making or circuit-breaking position, means tending to move the circuit breaker to one of the positions stated, electro-magnetic means for moving it ,to the other position, said electromagnetic means including a second circuit breaker movable into either circuit-making or circuit-breaking position, means tending to force the second circuit breaker into one of the positions stated, a member arranged to be moved in one direction by gravity, a second electro-magnetic means for moving the member in another direction, said member being arranged when in one position to force the second circuit breaker into the position other than that to which the second electro-magnetic means tends to force it, a third electro-magnetic means for holding the circuit breaker in the position to which the member has forced it, means whereby the movement of the member caused by the second electro-magnetic means is utilized to break the circuit through the third mentioned electro-magnetic means.

16. A working circuit including a circuit breaker movable into either circuit-making or circuit-breaking position, means tending to move the circuit breaker to one of the positions stated, electro-magnetic means for moving it to the other position, said electromagnetic means including a second circuit breaker movable into either circuit-making or circuit-breaking position, means tending to force the second circuit breaker into one of the positions stated, a member arranged to be moved in one direction by gravity, a second eleetro-magnetic means for moving the member in another direction, said mem her being arranged when in one position to force the second circuit breaker into the position other than that to which the second electro-magnetic means tends to force it, a third electro-magnetic means for holding the circuit breaker in the position to which the member has forced it, means whereby the movement of the member caused by the second electro-magnetic means is utilized to break the circuit through the third mentioned electro-magnetic means, and means for governing the speed of movement of the member caused by the action of gravity.

17 A working circuit including a circuit breaker movable into either circuit-making or circuit-breaking position, means tending to move the circuit breaker to one of the positions stated, electro-magnetic means for moving it to the other position, said electromagnetic means including a second circuit breaker movable into either circuit-making or circuit-breaking position, means tending to force the second circuit breaker into one of the positions stated, a member arranged to be moved in one direction by gravity, a second electro-magnetic means for moving the member in another direction, said member being arranged when in one position to force the second circuit breaker into the position other than that to which the second electro-magnetic means tends to force it, a third electro-magnetic means for holding the circuit breaker in the position to which the member has forced it, means whereby the movement of the member caused by the second electro-magnetic means is utilized to break the circuit through the third mentioned electro-magnetic means, and means for governing the speed of movement of the member caused by the second electromagnetic means.

In testimony whereof we have signed this specification.

THOMAS E. CLARK. ERVING A. LUEKY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

